Plans to ban low-slung, underwear-exposing trousers have provoked allegations of racism and the restriction of personal freedom after councillors in Atlanta declared it should be the first major city to tackle "offensive dressing".

A proposed saggy trouser ban in Atlanta prompts a race and liberty row
Critics of the planned ban have claimed the measure would allow police to target young black males

Officials want to impose a $100 (£50) fine and community service for offensive dressing after complaints not only of indecency but of lowering the image of the black community, where the fashion began.

For several years, American youths, male and female, have worn oversize trousers around their hips, or even lower, in a trend exported overseas - not least to Britain. Held up with a belt and periodic tugs, they often reveal boxer shorts or, in the case of girls, thong underwear.

Critics have claimed the measure would allow police to target young black males. "This would establish an additional type of racial profiling," said Debbie Seagraves, of the Georgia state branch of the American Civil Liberties Union.

But at a heated meeting in Atlanta, the division was between old and young - or, perhaps, between non-hip and hip. In America few issues have divided the generations as strongly since the start of rock 'n' roll.
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The motion was proposed by a black councillor, C T Martin, who has described sagging trousers as an "epidemic" that is a "major concern" around the country.

"I don't want young people thinking half-dressing is the way to go. I want them to think about their future," he said.

He was supported from the large audience by James Allen, 76, who said he would start a "belt brigade" to patrol the streets for inappropriate trouser-heights.

"It bothers me as a black man," he told the meeting. "They dress down. They talk down. Some of the things they do are downright lowdown. It sickens me. We need to teach them in a way they will become prospects, not suspects."

The elderly and middle-aged in the hall then displayed some of the poor behaviour they bemoan in the young, booing and hissing 19-year-old James Fancy as he pulled his shorts down to expose striped boxers, while his friend Tabby Chase, 30, stood up to reveal a bra under a fishnet shirt. Someone was heard to mutter: "Disgusting!"

Both underwear flashers held up a sign saying "Clothes are not a crime". They were supported by Jimmy Person, 34. "Maybe young people should be more tasteful," he said, "but let young people decide for themselves."

The meeting ended with the council members showing their age, or perhaps their wisdom, and setting up a task force to look into the issue further.